HZ University of Applied Sciences is located in the South-West of the Netherlands. With a population of some 4,800 national and international students, we are a small university with a personal approach. HZ offers high-quality study programs. Since 2011 - so for the past eleven years - HZ has been in the top three Dutch multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences.
HZ University of Applied Sciences is located in the South-West of the Netherlands. With a population of some 4,800 national and international students, we are a small university with a personal approach. HZ offers high-quality study programs. Since 2011 - so for the past eleven years - HZ has been in the top three Dutch multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences.
As a university of applied sciences, we focus on practice-based education and research opportunities. Our close cooperation with the business world, various research centers, and our global network of partner universities are of paramount importance.
About us
HZ has around 4,800 students divided over four study years and some 25 bachelor's degree programs, eight of which are taught in English. Some 500 students come from outside the Netherlands, so we have a great mix of Dutch and international students. Easy mathematics will tell you that with such numbers, classes are going to be small.
Where students matter
Teachers and staff put great emphasis on individual coaching. Your study coach will help you choose courses and explore your career possibilities. Ask any international student and they will tell you the lecturers and tutors are readily available to assist you when needed. HZ also has facilities and individual services for students with a disability or chronic illness.
Our professional expertise
As a university of applied sciences, we have positioned ourselves as experts in Water, Energy, and Vitality. Our programs are fully in line with these spearheads.
Quality & Accreditation
HZ is a government-funded University of Applied Sciences (HBO). To obtain government funding in the Netherlands, institutes must continually meet a number of quality requirements. The quality of the departments and programs is regularly evaluated by acknowledged VBI’s (Visiting Assessment Organisations) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.
The Bachelor's programs, including the English-language programs, taught at HZ have been accredited by the NVAO (Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organisation) based on international agreements.
Mission statement
At HZ University of Applied Sciences, we are committed to shaping a better and more sustainable world through high-quality education, applied research, and strong regional and international partnerships. Our mission is to:
Provide high-quality education as a personal University of Applied Sciences, ensuring that students develop the skills and knowledge needed to tackle real-world challenges with innovative and practical solutions.
Collaborate with industry, government, and research institutions to address pressing global issues, particularly in the fields of water, energy, and vitality. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we empower students and professionals to drive meaningful change.
Support regional developments as a dedicated partner for the Zeeland Delta while maintaining a strong global outlook, ensuring that our work benefits both local communities and international initiatives.
Create an inspiring and inclusive learning and working environment where students, staff, and partners can thrive and innovate together, fostering a culture of collaboration, sustainability, and future-proof solutions.
Join our events
Whether you're exploring study programmes, looking to connect with students and staff, or want to experience life at HZ firsthand, our events are the perfect opportunity. From Open Days to webinars, there's something for everyone. Check out our upcoming events and register now!
General Requirements: Applicants must possess a diploma equivalent to the Dutch Secondary Education Diploma (havo/vwo/mbo level 4). Diplomas listed on our foreign acceptable diplomas page are automatically considered eligible. If your diploma isn't listed, we will evaluate its equivalence in collaboration with the Dutch ENIC/NARIC (NUFFIC), experts in assessing international educational qualifications.
Scholarships and financial aid options are offered to support our students:
NL Scholarship – A €5,000 scholarship for non-EEA students enrolling in a full-time bachelor's program. Applications close on 1 May.
Rotary Scholarship – A €2,000 scholarship for international students in Water Management, Civil Engineering, or River Delta Development, aimed at those committed to solving water-related challenges. Applications close on 1 May.
HZ Grant – Financial aid for current HZ students doing studies or unpaid internships outside the EU.
Financial Aid for EU Students – Some EU students may be eligible for Dutch student finance, which includes loans, grants, and a student travel card. Eligibility depends on working hours and residency status in the Netherlands.
Additionally, part-time job opportunities are available to help manage living expenses. These funding options ensure students have financial support to focus on their studies and personal development.
Universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands are generally not included in worldwide university rankings. Therefore, Dutch organizations have created their own standards for ranking these types of institutions.
National Student Survey
The Nationale Studenten Enquete (NSE), known as the National Student Survey in English, is a yearly survey sent out to students following a program in higher education. The Studychoice Foundation (in Dutch Studiekeuze), an initiative of higher education organizations, is responsible for the NSE and collaborates with the Ministry of Education. Studychoiceasks all higher education institutions to participate in the National Student Survey every year. Questions pertaining to the quality of the professors, the study, the skills, and training acquired, testing and assessment, and other relevant information. The results of NSE are only available in Dutch.
Keuzegids rankings
The Keuzegids is the only independent guide, published yearly by the Centrum Hoger Onderwijs Informatie (Higher Education Information Center). One of the five published reports, ‘HBO full-time studies’ (HBO Voltijd), critically assesses and compares the quality of study programs of higher professional universities in the Netherlands.
Results take into account the perspectives of both students and the universities themselves. Rankings are generally based on data about the program’s success rates, expert opinions from the accreditation of programs, and student opinions taken from the results of the NSE.
HZ in the rankings
In 2025, the international bachelor programmes of International Business (BBA) , Global Project and Change Management (BBA) and Civil Engineering (BSc) have been ranked at the top of the Keuzegids HBO.
''Since HZ is a mid-size university, you get to know each other quite easily, and it's almost like one big family''
Kaloyan, ICT Student from Bulgaria
Studying abroad is a big step, and finding a place where you feel at home is essential. Kaloyan, an ICT student from Bulgaria, experienced this first-hand when he arrived in Zeeland. Alone in a new country, he quickly discovered the welcoming community at HZ, where students and teachers form a close-knit environment that feels like family.
One big family
Coming to a new country can be overwhelming, but for Kaloyan, HZ’s mid-size community made all the difference. ‘When I first left home to study here, I felt a little overwhelmed as I was trying to adjust to this new environment, but it improved as soon as I started to meet and engage with new people. Since HZ is a mid-size university, you get to know each other quite easily, and it’s almost like one big family,’ he shares.
Beyond the friendly atmosphere, HZ’s small class sizes ensure personal attention from teachers. ‘Classes are usually smaller, so you get more focus from them,’ Kaloyan explains. This interactive learning environment helped him adjust quickly and feel supported in his studies.
Living and studying in Zeeland
Zeeland might not be the biggest region, but it offers a unique and peaceful student experience. ‘It’s a chill and relaxing region, so every time I go out, I feel safe and secure. You have most of your needs close by, and there is beautiful nature to explore,’ Kaloyan says.
Housing is a common challenge for international students, but at HZ, that issue is solved thanks to a partnership with APV Housing. ‘They are always helpful and happy to assist with any needs you may have. You can live on campus with most students or choose to stay in a student house, like me,’ he adds.
Vlissingen and Middelburg
HZ has two campuses—one in Middelburg and one in Vlissingen. Kaloyan studies in Middelburg but lives in Vlissingen, which gives him the opportunity to enjoy one of his favorite hobbies: ‘One of my favorite things to do is go for a walk by the beach, which is why I really found my place in Vlissingen as the beautiful coastal town it is.
Living here while studying in Middelburg is not an inconvenience at all: the cities are around 20 minutes by bike or bus and 10 minutes by train from each other, so I can easily hang out with classmates and fellow students regardless of where we study or live.
Finding a home away from home
Kaloyan’s journey at HZ has been filled with opportunities to grow, connect, and feel at home. ‘If you want to study somewhere relaxed, where you feel safe and heard, and don’t have to worry about housing, HZ is the right place for you. The international community we have built here is strong, and we always help one another,’ he concludes.
At HZ University of Applied Sciences, we offer various inviting spots across our campuses for studying and socializing:
Edisonweg, Vlissingen
Stiltehokjes (Quiet Booths): Located on the first floor of the L-building (L111) and the second floor of the A-building (A221), these booths are ideal for focused, silent work. They feature adjustable lighting and screens for laptop connectivity, and no reservation is needed.
HZ Community Hub: Situated on the ground floor of the L-building (room L009), this newly designed space caters to group projects and presentations. It offers flexible seating arrangements and includes a mini-theater, making it perfect for both collaborative work and socializing.
Het Groene Woud, Middelburg
Restaurant: On the first floor, our restaurant serves delicious sandwiches, snacks, and salads, all bearing the Green Key quality mark. The menu emphasizes organic, fair-trade, and locally sourced ingredients, providing a healthy choice for both you and the planet. It's also a great place to meet with fellow students or lecturers.
Studiehoek (Study Corner): Located on the second floor, just above the entrance, this area offers a quiet environment with a beautiful view over the Vlissingen urban area. It's suitable for individual focus as well as group study sessions.
Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), Middelburg
Makerspaces: Accessible on every floor of the JRCZ, these communal areas are perfect for both studying and socializing. You can plug in your laptop, settle into one of the beanbags, and concentrate fully on your studies. Alternatively, gather with your study group in the makerspace to brainstorm and work on projects in an inspiring setting.
These thoughtfully designed spaces across our campuses aim to enhance your academic journey and student life at HZ.
